The TOW 2A is designed primarily as an anti-tank weapon, capable of defeating armored vehicles, including main battle tanks, with its shaped-charge warhead.
It utilizes a wire-guided system, where the operator guides the missile to its target by tracking it through an optical sight and sending commands through a thin wire spooled behind the missile.
The TOW 2A has an effective range of over 3,750 meters (approximately 2.3 miles), allowing it to engage targets at extended distances with high accuracy.
Some variants of the TOW 2A are equipped with a tandem warhead, designed to defeat explosive reactive armor (ERA) and other advanced armor systems, enhancing its effectiveness against modern armored threats.
The TOW 2A missile has a fire-and-forget mode, allowing the operator to guide the missile to the target and then immediately move on to engage other threats without having to continuously track the missile.
The TOW 2A is effective in all weather conditions, including adverse weather such as rain, fog, and snow, ensuring its reliability and performance in various operational environments.
In addition to anti-tank missions, the TOW 2A can be used against fortified positions, bunkers, and other hardened targets, providing versatility and flexibility on the battlefield.
The TOW 2A system can be mounted on various vehicles, including armored personnel carriers and light vehicles, as well as deployed by infantry teams using man-portable launchers.
Modern variants of the TOW 2A feature digital upgrades, including improved target acquisition and tracking capabilities, enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures, and compatibility with advanced sighting systems.
The TOW 2A has been used in numerous conflicts and military operations worldwide, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability in combat situations and contributing to its reputation as a trusted anti-tank weapon system.